Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald MLC has welcomed the recent announcement by the NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet that a dedicated hotline will be available for workers and businesses to help ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities in the lead up to Boxing Day trading.

The hotline is part of a package of education measures, including workshops across NSW and web-based information sessions for staff and employers.

Two workshops will also be held in Newcastle on Thursday 23rd November at the Charlestown Apollo Hotel, 9.30am - 10.30am and 11.30am – 12.30pm.

“The NSW Liberal National Government committed to strong safeguards and assistance to employers and employees when the Retail Trading Amendment (Boxing Day) Bill 2017 passed the NSW Parliament in September” Mr MacDonald said.

New laws provide strict safeguards to protect workers, with retailers who coerce staff to work on December 26 facing fines of up to $11,000 per employee.

Penalties of up to $22,000 will apply for landlords that coerce tenants to open on Boxing Day.